An African student has opened up about his transformative educational journey at one of India's premier institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, describing his experience as both challenging and enlightening.
The Paradoxical Journey Begins
Wizah S Sichilind, an Instagram user who documented his story through a reel, characterized his time at IIT Bombay as paradoxical. His reflections highlight the complex process of adapting to both a new academic environment and an unfamiliar cultural landscape.
In his social media post titled "My journey at IIT Bombay, a few things I've learned as an international student," Sichilind revealed that his initial semester proved overwhelmingly difficult. His first semester shook him to his core, bringing him to the brink of abandoning his studies entirely.
"I almost dropped out, but I reminded myself that there was too much at stake," the student confessed. "I had underestimated what I was walking into." Despite the initial struggle, Sichilind persisted, discovering that the challenging experience eventually yielded unexpected benefits.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
As time progressed, the African student found his footing within the demanding academic environment. He noted that while the experience proved tougher than anticipated, it gradually brought an unexpected sense of calm as adaptation set in.
Sichilind made several key observations about his fellow students during his journey. "Almost everyone carries a deep curiosity," he remarked, noting how this intellectual hunger manifested during meal-time conversations, classroom interactions, and intimate group discussions.
Contrary to his initial assumptions about IIT Bombay being solely focused on academics, the student discovered that his peers actively pursued diverse passions beyond their studies. These included engagements in art, music, sports, and community work, revealing a more holistic educational environment than he had anticipated.
Cultural Lessons and Online Reactions
The international student emphasized an important cultural insight gained from his experience. "One experience with one person should never define an entire culture," Sichilind wrote, highlighting the importance of avoiding broad generalizations based on limited interactions.
His candid sharing resonated strongly with online audiences, particularly among other international students. The post sparked numerous responses from individuals who identified with his struggles and triumphs.
One social media user encouraged, "Keep going... You are living the dream of thousands." Another comment reflected similar experiences: "Same experience, I just survived my first semester exams." A third user expressed solidarity, stating, "Totally on the same page, bro. I am also going through the same phase."
The widespread response underscores the shared challenges faced by international students adapting to demanding academic institutions abroad, while also highlighting the supportive community that emerges around such honest storytelling.
